Brought to you by McKenzie’s.
Question: Which food group is great for your health, delicious, and ultra-affordable? The answer (in case you missed the clue in the headline!) is pulses.
Part of the dried legume family, pulses such as McKenzie’s lentils, beans and peas can be cooked in a host of appetising ways to create mouth-watering meals.
An everyday superfood
Pulses are fantastic additions to your diet. McKenzie’s range of pulses all have a 5-star Health Rating, are high in protein and fibre and low in fat, plus they are cheap to buy. Which means that you can eat well and save money.
Get your finger on the pulse and read on for five reasons why you should add these unsung heroes to your meal plans today.
1. They are nutritional powerhouses
Pulses pack a punch when it comes to essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, offering a protein content comparable to meat but with less saturated fat. Pulses, such as McKenzie’s Australian Chick Peas, are also rich in dietary fibre and contain a range of vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate.
Incorporate chickpeas into your diet with this easy hummus recipe from McKenzie’s.
(Image credit: Supplied.)2. A host of heart-healthy benefits
Including pulses in your diet can help keep your heart healthy (as part of a healthy, balanced diet combined with regular physical exercise). The high fibre content in pulses can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Pulses are also low in fat and contain no cholesterol, making them a heart-friendly food choice. Consuming pulses regularly has also been associated with improved blood pressure levels and a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
3. Weight management support
If you’re looking to manage your weight, pulses are your best friend. They are low in fat, cholesterol-free, and high in fibre and protein. The fibre and protein content promotes feelings of fullness and satiety, which can help control appetite and prevent overeating.
Pulses can easily be incorporated into your favourite recipes to make a delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy.
(Image credit: Supplied)4. Digestion and gut health
Their high fibre content promotes healthy digestion and regularity. Plus, the fibre in pulses acts as a prebiotic, meaning it serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. By nourishing your good gut bacteria, pulses can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for proper digestion and overall wellbeing.
Tip: If you experience digestive discomfort when eating pulses, soaking pulses overnight and always cooking pulses thoroughly can help reduce these effects.
5. Sustainable and eco-friendly choice
By eating pulses, you’re helping the environment too. They have a low carbon and water footprint compared to animal-based protein sources. They need less water to grow and contribute to soil health through nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers in farming. Incorporating pulses into your diet supports sustainable agriculture and helps ease the environmental impact of food production.
For a plethora of delicious and nutritious pulse recipes and handy recipe eBooks, head to McKenzie’s and discover how pulses can easily become your everyday superfood.
Brought to you by McKenzie’s.
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